GOP Rep. Russell Fry jumps into South Carolina Senate race

On Monday, South Carolina Rep. Russell Fry announced his candidacy for the Senate race, aiming to secure the Republican seat previously occupied by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. This move sets up a potential contest against Darline Graham, who has received endorsement from Trump.

Fry was swiftly identified as a possible successor following Graham’s passing. Trump had previously chosen Fry to unseat Rep. Tom Rice in the 2022 GOP primary after Rice voted to impeach Trump post the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021. Since then, Fry has maintained strong connections within Trump’s political sphere.

Fry expressed his admiration for Lindsey Graham, stating, “There is no other way to put it: Lindsey Graham was one of a kind. There is no replacing him. But I believe the best way to honor his legacy is to fight alongside the President just as steadfastly as he did.”

Despite Fry’s candidacy, Trump has endorsed Graham’s sister, Darline, for the full term, following her temporary appointment to complete the current term. This decision surprised many Republicans who expected Darline Graham to serve only temporarily. Concerns have arisen among senior Republicans about a House Republican taking the role due to the slim House majority.

According to two sources close to Fry, he will continue his campaign for his current House seat while also running in the special Senate election.

Graham’s unexpected death earlier this month was attributed to a heart issue, as per a preliminary report from the District of Columbia’s medical examiner. Elected to the Senate in 2002, Graham had previously served in the House of Representatives since 1995.

Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina promptly appointed Darline Graham to serve the remainder of her brother’s term. She was sworn in last week, becoming the first woman from South Carolina to join the upper chamber.

Although Lindsey Graham was slated for reelection in November, Sen. Darline Graham has not yet confirmed whether she will pursue a full term, although reports suggest she is considering it. She has already secured the president’s endorsement for the August 11 primary.

Trump expressed his support on social media, stating, “I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey. RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”

Sen. Tim Scott, head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, echoed Trump’s endorsement. He remarked to CBS News, “Darline has so far been off to a remarkable start. Why not her?”

As the filing window for candidates opens on Tuesday, Rep. Ralph Norman has already declared his intention to seek the GOP nomination to replace Graham. The candidate pool is expected to expand, potentially including Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Rep. Nancy Mace, businessman Mark Lynch, and Mark Sanford.

On Monday, Fry acknowledged the overwhelming support he has received encouraging him to run, citing economic challenges faced by families. “High gas prices and soaring grocery costs are hurting hardworking people every day,” he remarked. “There’s too much at stake to take a chance, so I’m answering the call. I will be your conservative MAGA candidate in this summer’s special Republican primary for the United States Senate.”

In contrast, Norman urged Fry to remain in the House to preserve the narrow Republican majority. He stated on social media, “I’m fighting to SAVE America! I respect Russell Fry and I have enjoyed serving with him in the House, but the reality is, his candidacy could leave his seat vacant until May 18th. This would leave his constituents unrepresented, jeopardize President Trump’s agenda, and put the House at risk of being led by a Speaker Hakeem Jeffries. We can’t let that happen!!”

Whoever emerges victorious in the special Republican Primary will compete against Democrat Annie Andrews.